The shaped body with a hinged cover is crafted from mother-of-pearl plaques. The interior surfaces of the snuffbox are mirror-polished. The exterior surfaces feature carved bas-reliefs depicting biblical scenes. The top surface features a free interpretation of a scene from the Second Book of Kings (2 Samuel), Chapter XI, Verse 2. The bottom side features a more secular depiction of a slumbering shepherd and shepherdess, unaware that one of their sheep is feasting on flowers from a basket. The shell was carved in such a way that the relief elements are executed from the opaque body of the mollusk, while the green layer was skilfully utilized for colouring, and the exposed iridescent mother-of-pearl serves as the background.

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